In spite of her sedentary habits such abrupt decisions were not without precedent in Zeena's history. (not reviewed by editor)

He had supposed her to be asleep, and the sound of her voice had startled him, though she was given to abrupt explosions of speech after long intervals of secretive silence. (not reviewed by editor)

He had now no doubt that Zeena had spoken the truth in saying, the night before, that she had sat up because she felt "too mean" to sleep: her abrupt resolve to seek medical advice showed that, as usual, she was wholly absorbed in her health. (not reviewed by editor)